Raila Odinga was yester evening stoned after a burial rite of the late Mzee Kibor in Soy.
A while ago today, I witnessed what should worry every Kenyan keen to protect the freedom of speech, association and multiparty-ism that we fought hard and long to get.
Azimio Presidential aspirant and ODM leader Raila Odinga
The threat came in the form of youth; mobilized, armed and paid to cause mayhem and disorder, destroy property and even take away lives in a bid to create political zones in the country.
In the event that took place at Kabenes in Uasin Gishu, youth attacked my plane, destroying the air shield with rocks that were clearly aimed at me. On my way to the plane, they had pelted my vehicles with stones.
My mistake was to attend the burial of my long time friend Mr. Jackson Kibor. I thank the security officers who did everything to ensure our safety.
The attacks present a very dark reminder of what this country has witnessed before, particularly in the run up to the 1992 elections and in the 2007-2008 polls.
In the run up to August, someone seems to be assembling a rag tag band of extremist youths, radicalized by lies and handouts to zone the country before pushing us into mayhem.
For today’s unfortunate events, I hold Uasin Gishu governor Jackson Mandagor and Soy MP. Hon. Caleb Kositany responsible.
I call on the two, and all leaders from the region who believe in our constitution, to come out now, not later, condemn the incident and promise an end to the bizarre attempts to balkanize the country into ethnic and tribal party zones ahead of August election.
Despite the violence meted out on me and my team today, I remain optimistic that Kenya will hold peaceful, free and fair election in August.
Congratulations Mheshimiwa Caleb Kositany and Governor Mandago for this act.This was an attempt on our lives at Mzee Kibor’s burial Ceremony at Soi Constituency in Uasin Gishu County.Hope your boss will campaign in his house.Long live Baba. pic.twitter.com/NnKjCtGVAS
On his response, Uasin Gishu governor Jackson Mandagor refuted the claims and rebuked the act of violence.
I condemn with the strongest terms possible the act of violence directed at the former Prime Minister Rt Hon Raila Odinga after the burial of Mzee Jackson Kibor. Uasin Gishu is a peaceful county, we will pursue the matter until the perpetrators are all brought to book.
— Governor Jackson Mandago, EGH (@GvnMandago) April 1, 2022
The Deputy President, Dr William Ruto who was in Lamu together with ANC leader Hon Mudavadi also rebuked the stoning of Raila Odinga’s Chopper in his vote rich region.
Every politician has the right to sell their agenda in every part of the country. We should listen, evaluate their policies and then decide whom to support. Political violence is retrogressive, divisive and tears down our democracy. We condemn and reject it without reservation.
— William Samoei Ruto, PhD (@WilliamsRuto) April 1, 2022
Join our Telegram channel for breaking news, entertainment news and so much more.
